About
Length (round trip)1 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain50 ft up
Typical time30 min
TrailheadKilauea Visitor Center
SurfaceOld paved road, accessible
Best seasonYear round. The summit area is cool and wet; the coastal and Kau Desert sections are hot and exposed.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityWheelchair and stroller accessible, though some sections of trail have a steep grade and may have cracks. The first small overlook past the Volcano House on the right has a very steep descent, but the larger overlook is wheelchair accessible.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views

The Kupinai Pali (Waldron Ledge) portion of Crater Rim Trail is a gentle walk through history, leading to a panoramic view of Kaluapele (Kilauea caldera) and Halemaumau crater, which dramatically collapsed in 2018. At one point in time, this stretch of trail was part of Crater Rim Drive, the road that encircled the summit caldera. However, on November 16th, 1983, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the island, decimating parts of the road. Large chunks collapsed and deep cracks developed, rendering it impassable. As part of repairs from the seismic event, the road was re-routed to its current path and the portions left behind were converted to the trail you see today. Look for the painted road lines on the trail, a reminder of its history. Locally, this area may still sometimes be referred to as "Earthquake Trail." Difficulty: Easy - wheelchair accessible. Distance & hiking time: About one mile (1.6 km) round-trip to the overlook, approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour. Trail begins: Across the street from Kilauea Visitor Center, to the left of the Volcano House. Stroller friendly - trail is over a paved road surface. This section of trail includes some cracked and tilted sections. The first small overlook past the Volcano House on the right has a very steep descent, but the larger overlook is wheelchair accessible.

Tips
Paved and largely accessible. The buckled tarmac is a vivid record of the 1983 quake, and the view over Kaluapele is one of the best you can reach without descending.
Location

Kilauea Visitor Center

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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.